Artistic expression in the hot summertime shouldn't cost a lot of money.

The average cost to raise a child — not including college — is about $300,000, according to a recent report by theU.S. Department of Agriculture.

That sure sounds like a lot.

The report says housing is the biggest expense in raising children.

We can think of another big expense not addressed in the report: Art camp.

Such camps present a real dilemma for those trying to curb expenses. Forgo art camp, and you're skimping on your child's enrichment. Enroll them in painting and pottery and drawing sessions offered by various nonprofit groups and colleges, and you're quickly in the poor house.

Fortunately, we got a great tip from Kathleen Myers in Allentown that will help your children find their artistic side without breaking the bank. It might get them to stop nagging you about how bored they are, too.

"This one costs almost nothing," Kathleen said. "Give the kids a paint brush and a bucket of water and send them outside to 'paint.' You can use old paint brushes, or get three for a dollar at the dollar store. Water is cheap too. If you don't have buckets, empty coffee cans work."

Some of you are probably rummaging through the cupboards for old coffee cans and combing through the garage for old paint brushes right now.

"This literally keeps the kids busy for hours and it's a lot of fun on a hot day," Kathleen said. "By the time they get done the entire house or the sidewalk for your block, the 'paint' has dried and they can start all over again."

We hit the streets in downtown Allentown one hot day recently to see what some children thought of Kathleen's tip. We got some help from Saviour and Messiah Marshall, Karimah McKnight and Kyiana, Nyasya and Sharice Bethea. We gave them some brushes and buckets and they got busy.

Kathleen was right on this one. They loved it.

We did some number-crunching in the On The Cheap lab and figure you could save $4,000 over 10 years if you forgo a week of art camp for two kids and send them outside with water and paint brushes. You'll need every penny if it'll really cost $600,000 to raise those two children.

And if you feel bad about skimping on enrichment, Kathleen had one more suggestion for those looking to splurge.

"Optional," Kathleen said. "Add a few drops of food coloring to the water."